GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After a NAIA National runner-up finish last season and the graduation of three All-Americans, seniors Karlee Despres, Abby Neff, Carrie Grubius and Julie Janish
have been called upon heavily to lead the 2011-12 women's basketball
squad. Heading into the 2011-12 season these four seniors had compiled a
record of 99-7 overall and 42-2 in WHAC action; leadership is something
that comes natural for these four.

Both on the off the court these four have played a huge part in the
success of the Panthers this season. Currently they are all in the top
six for scoring and have started all nine games for DU. One task they
have been given this year is helping their younger players adjust to the
college game.

“I just try to be encouraging and tell them to keep their head up. I
was a freshman once and I know what it is like to be in their shoes. It
can be a tough transition at times and I think it's important for them
to know that we are a team and we are all in it together no matter what
happens.” - Julie

“In high school everyone was the best player on their team. I just
remind them to relax and play with confidence and to continue to work on
their game so when they do get that opportunity they are as prepared as
they can be.” – Karlee

Along with helping develop the young players on their squad they have
also had to adapt to the style of play of their new head coach Mike Williams.
Williams, who comes to DU from the University of Michigan, brings a
defensive focus which had not been the case in previous seasons at
Davenport.

Abby Neff and Carrie Grubius comment on adjustments they have made in their game to fit into Coach Williams' Style:

“As a team Coach Williams has put ten times more focus on defense then
in years past and he makes sure that every drill ran in practice is at
game speed. Personally I have been really working on my ball pressure,
help side defense and trying to tip as many passes as possible.” - Abby

“He has really stressed the importance of not being overconfident; he
loves to challenge us as players and has the 'prove me wrong' mentality.
I have been really working hard at getting in the right positions
defensively including my help side defense.” - Carrie

All four seniors have set individual goals to coincide with reaching
their team goals of winning their fourth straight WHAC championship,
third straight WHAC tournament title and ultimately returning to the
NAIA National Tournament which they hope to rewrite history after
falling in title game last season. As Karlee Despres states, “we still have a bitter taste in our mouths from the final game last year.”

Carrie's main focus this season has been trying to get to the free throw
line in every game which in turn means she is driving to basket and not
limiting herself to just the three point shot. She recently tied her
career high with 28 points against #15 Indiana Tech, which also saw her
surpass the 1,000 career points plateau. Karlee Despres (43) and Abby Neff
(24) have each set career marks in the points category, Neff states “I
have really been trying to focus on getting to the basket more and also
in coaches words 'hunting out my shot'.”

Julie has challenged herself to be more of a scoring threat this season
by taking more shots and getting herself in position to take quality
shots. Thru nine games Janish is averaging 8.1 PPG, which is three
points higher than all of her previous three seasons.

Along with on the court goals all four have stated how they want to be
the best leader and role model off the court as well including exceling
in the classroom. All were named NAIA Scholar Athletes last season and
they also have a combined GPA of 3.85. Leading by example is something
they pride themselves in with Grubius being the most vocal and Despres
being a constant encourager who always brings a positive attitude on the
floor.

These four will take their leadership and athletic skills into an action
packed WHAC week in which they take on Siena Heights Wednesday on the
road and then welcome #3 Concordia to the DU Student Center on Saturday.
DU's seniors are a combined 14-0 when matched up against these two
squads.